Pets are definitely dear ones to us. Only a true pet owner can relate to that type of bond and feel the comfort and discomfort of their pets. As an owner of playful Betta, you have to understand your pet when they are facing any trouble. And clamped fins in bettas can be a symptom you should worry about.
There can be more than one cause behind the clamped fins in Bettas. And remarkably, all of these need to be treated before the reasons become fatal for your pets. So here we have come up with all of the terms about clamped fins in bettas, including the signs, symptoms, possible causes and finally, how to treat the problems.
Let’s start with knowing what the clamped fins are actually.
What do clamped fins mean?
Clamped fins are mainly a physical abnormality that shows off by squeezing the fins towards the fish body. In bettas, fins are may the most beautiful part of their body. But when this species is going under any disturbance, their fins stop flapping and curl towards the body. It looks like their fins are tied together with glue.
What are the symptoms of clamped fins on Betta?
Aquarium owners often mistake clamped fins with rotten fins, but it’s different. When bettas have clamped fins, they can show signs of inactivity, acting lethargic, and uninterested in food and playing. Additionally, their fins will not flutter and collapse against their bodies.
What causes clamped fins in betta fish?
There can be multiple causes underlying the clamped fins. Tank water parameters, diseases and invasion of microbial activities can be a reason that bettas have clamped fins.
Degrading water parameters
Like any other aquarium resident, Bettas are supposed to be really sensitive animals to keep. Even a slight change in the water parameter can turn out to be a danger. That can be the pH level, mineral contents, alkalinity, and temperature. Moreover, impurities and dirt content in the tank’s water are other significant reasons for deteriorating water parameters. If any of these reasons are present in your tank, bettas will react with clamped fins.
Stress in Bettas
Like any other aquarium, pet stress is the biggest enemy of your bettas and the prime culprit that shortens their lifespan. Now bettas can be stressed out due to improper food supply, incompatible mates, or the ferocious behavior of other insiders. Though bettas are fighters in nature, sometimes they end up hurting themselves while chasing other fishes in the aquarium. Like fear, lack of comfort and energy, bettas can be stressed out and retract themselves.
Genetics
You may not have ever thought, but yes, genetics is a big cause behind clamped fins bettas. A genetic disorder or some inherited disease can transform this tendency of clamping fins. That’s why choosing a healthy and fresh breed is important.
Disease and infections
Parasites are a common cause of disease and infection in your aquarium. And this sort of infection can spread before you notice anything major. And this is a major cause that your bettas have clamped fins. Other than that, too much bacterial growth and infections from old scars make bettas feeble, affecting their fin health.
How do you fix fins on a betta fish?
Try every possible way to remove the probable cause behind this problem whenever you see clamped fins in bettas.
Improving water quality
You can start fixing fins on Betta by checking the water parameter in Betta’s tank. Check the pH level and temperature at the primary level. An optimum pH for bettas is 6.5 to 7.5, and the temperature needs to be in control between 24C to 27C. If things don’t improve, you should go for fixing other parameters like alkalinity and salinity. Further, you can entirely change the water if there are too many issues with the old water. Try to collect water from neutral sources and ensure new water parameters are all set.
Lowering the stress level in Bettas
For stress management in bettas, you have to be careful from the beginning. Choose mates wisely for your bettas. Please don’t put them in a clumsy environment. Bettas are very active and mainly the fighter in your tank. So pairing up with weak ones can be an issue overall. However, guppies, cory catfish, and fishes like ghost shrimp are the best companions for bettas. Putting enough stuff to create a playful environment in bettas tank is also important for its well being.
Curing disease and infections
In general, using 1 tbsp of aquarium salt per gallon of water is mandatory for overall disease or parasite control. In case you are sure about the whole water contamination, better you change it properly. Moreover, other antibacterial and parasite controllers like Bettafix, Methylene Blue and any other retail parasite killer are effective to use.
Conclusion
Clamped fins in bettas are simply the urge to help your pets are wanting from you. Addressing them and preventing them with proper treatment only makes you an empathetic and successful aquarist. We know you love your pets, and you will go by any means to help them.
Whenever you see something unusual in your bettas, get ready for action. Sometimes you may need to go for an expert, and don’t hesitate on that. Cause affected fins like the clamped ones is not a single problem. It’s a sign of problems present behind.
Moreover, a regular cleaning with proper care can make your bettas live for long. We hope this write will be helpful for you in treating clamped fins in bettas. Best of luck with your tiny friends.
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